President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on June 1 that Ukrainian forces can now strike Russian military logistics throughout nearly the entire depth of Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine, causing fuel shortages particularly in Crimea and other occupied regions [1, 2]. He said, "There are almost no safe roads left for the occupier in the south and east of our country" [1].
Between January and May 2026, Ukrainian forces targeted 15 Russian oil refineries, forcing nearly 40% of Russia's primary oil refining capacity offline by May, a major blow to Moscow's fuel resources [1, 2]. Zelenskiy stated, "The plan of our long-range sanctions is being implemented step by step" [2].
Warnings of a large-scale Russian missile and drone strike on Ukraine remained in effect on June 1 and 2 following intelligence alerts. Zelenskiy urged civilians to heed air raid alerts, saying, "According to our intelligence, another large-scale attack may occur tonight. Please, I strongly urge you to pay attention to air raid alerts" [3, 4]. Overnight on June 2, Russia launched more than 70 missiles and 650 drones in attacks that killed 22 people and injured 130 in Ukraine. Additional drone strikes continued throughout the day [4].
Ukraine's air defense capabilities remain limited in stopping all incoming Russian missiles. Zelenskiy called on international partners to supply more air defense missiles, systems, vital intelligence, and other resources, stating, "All partners together, and everyone in Europe, must continue working to ensure that Ukraine receives air defence missiles, the necessary systems, vital intelligence and other resources that help save lives" [4].
Russia had warned of systematic strikes on Kyiv and urged foreigners to leave days before launching heavy bombardments on June 1 targeting military and government decision-making sites [3].
On June 3, Zelenskiy said Ukraine’s increased long-range strikes inside Russia give Kyiv a stronger position to negotiate peace. "Thank God that today we have security guarantees that allow us to end this war on equal footing with the Russians in any format of diplomacy," he said. He also expressed readiness for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the conflict, particularly in eastern Donbas [5].
Following months of intensified Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy and logistics infrastructure and ongoing Russian missile and drone assaults targeting Ukrainian cities, Kyiv continues calls for stronger international defense aid and diplomatic engagement. The situation remains tense as both sides maintain heavy military activity.
